Artificial total lumbar disc for unilateral safe and simple posterior placement in the lumbar spine, and removeable bifunctional screw which drives vertical sliding expansile plate expansion, and interplate widening, and angled traction spikes

ABSTRACT

A total artificial expansile disc and a method for posterior insertion between a pair of vertebral endplates are disclosed. The total artificial expansile disc includes at least one pair of substantially parallel plates that move apart along a first axis, in order to occupy a space defined by the vertebral endplates. In another embodiment, each of substantially parallel plates includes a first plate and a second sliding plate. An expansion device or tool is used to move the substantially parallel pair of plates apart along the first axis. A core is disposed between the pair of plates, and the core permits the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another. A ball limiter or ball extender prevents the core from being extruded from between the substantially parallel plates.

The present Application is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/487,415 filed on Jul. 17, 2006, which is a Continuation-In-Part Application of provisional application 60/788,720 filed on Apr. 4, 2006, for which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 120, and which claims the benefit under 35, U.S.C. § 119(e) of copending applications Ser. No. 11/019,351, filed on Dec. 23, 2004 and Ser. No. 10/964,633, filed on Oct. 15, 2004; this application also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. provisional applications 60/578,319 filed on Jun. 10, 2004; 60/573,346 filed on May 24, 2004; 60/572,468 filed on May 20, 2004; 60/570,837 filed on May 14, 2004; and 60/570,098 filed on May 12, 2004; the entire contents of all the above identified patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a posterior placed total lumbar artificial disc (“PTTLAD”) without supplemental instrumentation, that uses removable bi-functional screws, sliding expansile plates, and interchangeable cores which enhance individualized custom-fitting. In addition, oblique plate traction spikes are used for enhanced vertebral endplate penetration and incorporation. The present invention also relates to artificial total lumbar discs which can be posteriorly introduced into the lumbar spinal intervertebral disc space, unilaterally, from either left or right side.

2. Description of the Relevant Art

Cervical and lumbar total artificial discs are entering the clinical neurosurgical and orthopedic markets. The benefits of these artificial discs are well known. They replace diseased discs, and preserve motion segment mobility. Discogenic and radicular pain are relieved without forfeiting segmental mobility, which is typical of traditional anterior or posterior lumbar fusions. Thus it is currently rational to place prosthetic discs anteriorly where access can be easily obtained, and they can be secured by a variety of anterior screw fixations. This technology is adequate for single level disc replacement in the cervical spine. However based on the current anterior cervical prosthetic disc screw fixation methodology its implantation is periodically complicated by screw failures e.g. partial or complete screw pullouts or breaks, and in most designs it is limited to single level replacement. Furthermore, for lumbar total artificial discs, placement is limited to only the L4/5 and L5/S1 disc spaces, and not above, secondary to aortic and vena caval anatomical restraints. Likewise, for the thoracic spine. Thus far no type of thoracic prosthetic disc device has been reported or described. Furthermore, despite the purported safety of placement of the current anterior total lumbar artificial discs, there is a significant risk of retrograde ejaculations in males, and the risk of vascular injury, which although small, is potentially catastrophic if it occurs.

The design of total artificial discs, which began in the 1970's, and in earnest in the 1980's, consists essentially of a core (synthetic nucleus pulposus) surrounded by a container (pseudo-annulus). Cores have consisted of rubber (polyolefin), polyurethane (Bryan-Cervical), silicon, stainless steel, metal on metal, ball on trough design (Bristol-Cervical, Prestige-Cervical), Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) with either a biconvex design allowing unconstrained kinematic motion (Link SB Charite-Lumbar), or a monoconvex design allowing semiconstrained motion (Prodisc-Lumbar). There is also a biologic 3-D fabric artificial disc interwoven with high molecular weight polyethylene fiber, which has only been tested in animals. Cervical and lumbar artificial discs are premised on either mechanical or viscoelastic design principles. The advantages of mechanical metal on metal designs including the stainless steel ball on trough design and the UHMWPE prostheses include their low friction, and excellent wear characteristics allowing long term motion preservation. Their major limitation is the lack of elasticity and shock absorption capacity. The favorable features of the viscoelastic prosthetics include unconstrained kinematic motion with flexion, extension, lateral bending, axial rotation and translation, as well as its cushioning and shock absorption capacity. On the other hand, their long term durability beyond ten years is not currently known. Containers have consisted of titanium plates, cobalt chrome or bioactive materials. This history is reviewed and well documented in Guyer, R. D., and Ohnmeiss, D. D. “Intervertebral disc prostheses”, Spine 28, Number 15S, S15-S23, 2003; and Wai, E. K., Selmon, G. P. K. and Fraser, R. D. “Disc replacement arthroplasties: Can the success of hip and knee replacements be repeated in the spine?”, Seminars in Spine Surgery 15, No 4: 473-482, 2003.

It would be ideal if total lumbar artificial discs could be placed posteriorly allowing access to all levels of the lumbar spine. Also one could place these devices posteriorly in thoracic disc spaces through a transpedicular approach. Similarly if these devices can be placed anteriorly particularly in the cervical spine without anterior screw fixation, and custom-fit it for each disc in each individual, the ease of placement would reduce morbidity and allow for multi-level disc replacement. Placement of an artificial disc in the lumbar spine if inserted posteriorly through a unilateral laminotomy by using a classical open microscopic approach or by using a minimally invasive tubular endoscopic approach would significantly reduce the possibility of recurrent disc herniation. If placed without facet joint violation, or with only unilateral mesial facetectomy, and the device can purchase the endplates with spikes there would be no need for supplemental posterior pedicle screw fixation, thus obviating the associated morbidity associated with pedicle screws and bone harvesting. To take it one step further, if artificial lumbar discs can be posteriorly placed successfully and safely throughout the entire lumbar spine, every routine lumbar discectomy could be augmented by artificial disc placement which would simultaneously eliminate discogenic and radicular pain while preserving flexibility. Furthermore by so doing, the probability of recurrent herniation plummets, and subsequently the need for posterior pedicle instrumentation plummets, thereby diminishing overall spinal morbidity, expenditure, and leading to the overall improvement in the quality of life.

Presumably up to now, technology is not focusing on posterior placement of total lumbar prosthetic discs because of inadequate access to the disc space posteriorly. To circumvent this problem others have been working on the posterior placement, not of a total prosthetic disc but of a prosthetic disc nucleus (PDN), or essentially a core without a container (pseudo annulus). PDNs, which are considered post-discectomy augmentations, have consisted of one of the following materials: 1) hydrogel core surrounded by a polyethylene jacket (Prosthetic Disc Nucleus). Two of these devices have to be put in. There is a very high, 38% extrusion rate, 2) Polyvinyl alcohol (Aquarelle), 3) polycarbonate urethane elastomer with a memory coiling spiral (Newcleus), 4) Hydrogel memory coiling material that hydrates to fill then disc space, 5) Biodisc consisting of in-situ injectable and rapidly curable protein hydrogel, 6) Prosthetic Intervertebral Nucleus (PIN) consisting of a polyurethane balloon implant with in-situ injectable rapidly curable polyurethane and 7) thermopolymer nucleus implant. (See the two publications identified above). The approach of posteriorly placing artificial disc cores appears to be flawed in that: 1) there is a high extrusion rate, 2) it lacks good fixation as does total prosthetic devices that are placed anteriorly, 3) it is restricted only to early symptomatically disrupted discs which have only nucleus pulposus but not annulus or endplate pathology, and 4) are contraindicated in discs with an interspace height of less than 5 mm.

The primary advantages of artificial disc placement include the replacement of diseased discs with prosthetic devices which mimic as much as possible healthy natural discs thereby relieving axial and radicular pain without forfeiting segmental mobility. There are currently in the orthopedic and neurosurgical markets FDA approved anteriorly placed artificial total lumbar discs. The major disadvantages of anterior placement of these devices include vascular injury, blood loss, and retrograde ejaculation in males.

In our previous copending patent application Ser. No. 11/019,351, filed on Dec. 23, 2004 and Ser. No. 10/964,633, filed on Oct. 15, 2004, which are herein incorporated by reference, we have described artificial expansile total discs for placement throughout the entire spine. The relevant history and prior art of artificial discs are summarized and reviewed there. The artificial discs described in our previous patent applications expand in two or three dimensions, and have internal expanding mechanisms which necessitate a bilateral surgical approach for posterior placement into the lumbar spine. In one embodiment of the present invention, we have simplified the design by omitting an internal expansion mechanism, and by having the one-pieced disc plates expand in only one direction. These modifications make it technically easy to place with minimal disruption of the normal spinal anatomy and with minimal morbidity. Currently in the spinal market there exist only anteriorly placed total artificial lumbar discs. The risks of the anterior placement of these discs are well known and documented, and include but are not limited by vascular injury and retrograde ejaculation. Their surgical removal if warranted is technically challenging and potentially fatal in extreme circumstances. Our design retains all the benefits of the anterior artificial disc with respect to motion preservation, and has none of the above mentioned risks. In addition we introduce an additional novel safety feature, ball limiters, which prevent extrusion of the ball from the artificial disc, and limit complete unrestrained motion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric exploded view of the posteriorly placed total lumbar artificial disc (“PPTLA”).

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the closed unexpanded PPLTA device.

FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of the PPLTA device with anterior plate expansion (extension).

FIGS. 4A(1) and 4A(2) illustrate isometric and front views of the insertable core ball (Embodiment I).

FIGS. 4B(1) and 4B(2) illustrate exploded and cross-sectional views of an alternative ball/trough system (Embodiment II).

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate the components which act in unison to allow width and height device expansion. They include the bi-functional (height/width) adjustment (BFA) screw (5A), the width adjustment screw (5B), and the intervening slotted worm nut (FIG. 5C).

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrates the external (FIG. 6A), internal (FIG. 6B), and top (FIG. 6c ) views of the dorsal plate.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the external (FIG. 7A) and internal (FIG. 7B) views of the ventral plate.

FIG. 8 illustrates an orthographic view of the uni-dimensional expanding artificial disc, embodiment I (UDEAD I).

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of the artificial disc (UDEAD I)

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate the external and internal views of the external plates of the artificial disc (UDEAD I)

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate the side and orthographic views of the ball of the artificial disc UDEAD I).

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate the orthographic and exploded views of the ball limiters (UDEAD I)

FIG. 13 illustrates the ball with the limiters (UDEAD I)

FIG. 14 illustrates a sample position of the entire artificial disc and how the ball limiters affect range of motion (UDEAD I)

FIGS. 15 A, B, and C illustrate the orthographic, frontal and exploded views of yet another embodiment of the UDEAD (embodiment II) which employs a ball with raised edges instead of ball limiters.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate side and orthographic views of the ball employed in UDEAD II.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate cross-sections of UDEAD (embodiment II) during lateral bending and flexion/extension.

FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C illustrate the front, back and exploded views of the external insertion device used for UDEAD embodiments I and II.

FIGS. 19 A and 19B illustrate a detailed view of the plate insertion section of the external insertion device and the motion of the wedged separator expanding the disc plates.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The Medical Device of FIGS. 1-7

Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, the above described problems can be solved in the lumbar spine by the posterior insertion of a closed PPLTAD in the discs space after the performance of a discectomy. After insertion it is expanded in height (the anterior-posterior direction in a standing patient), and in width (disc space height in a standing patient).

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric exploded view of the PPLTAD. It consists of two opposing plates 101, 102 which are preferably titanium or cobalt chromium, each of which is comprised of a dorsal component 101 a, 102 a and ventral component 101 b, 102 b. Sandwiched in between the opposing plates 101, 102 is a removable ball 103 which contacts a trough 104 on the inner aspects of both opposing plates.

The mechanical crux to the PPLTAD height and width expandability are based on the interaction of a bi-functional (height/width) adjustment (BFA) screw 105 with a slotted worm nut 106, and a width adjustment screw 107 and their unified interactions with the dorsal and ventral aspects of each the opposing plates 101, 102, and with their unified interaction with both opposing plates 101, 102.

Located on the outer aspects of the plates 101, 102 are a series of obliquely oriented spikes 108. The obliqueness of the spikes 108 hinders extrusion by orientation as well as by traction. We believe that this is a unique design which is not found in other prosthetic disc devices.

FIG. 2 illustrates the PPLTAD in its closed position prior to its insertion into the empty disc space.

FIG. 3 illustrates the PPLTAD with an extended (expanded) ventral plate 102 b.

FIGS. 4A(1) and 4A(2) illustrate isometric and frontal views respectively of the ball insert 103 (Embodiment I). It consists of an ellipsoid core 401 surrounded by a raised edge 402. Upon its insertion into the PPLTAD when both surfaces of the ball 103 contact the troughs 104 of the opposing plates 101, 102 and moves within them, the raised edge 402 prevents ball extrusion with patient movement.

FIGS. 4B(1) and 4B(2) illustrate a different ball/trough embodiment (II). In this embodiment it is the ensconcing trough protrusions 404 surrounding the ball 403 and ball overhangs 405 which prevent ball extrusion as opposed to the ball rim (Embodiment I) preventing ball extrusion. This preferably allows for the same degree of lateral flexion and rotation as Embodiment I.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate close up views of the key components of the expansile mechanism. FIG. 5A illustrates a close-up of the bi-functional (height/width) adjustment (BFA) screw 105. It is composed of a screw body 501 with threads 502, a hex slot 503, a neck 504 and a collar 505. This screw 105 is inserted into the open bearings 601 of the inner aspect dorsal plate 102 a (FIGS. 6B and 6C) and the height adjustment threaded nut 704 and slot 703 of the inner aspect of the ventral plate 102 b (FIG. 7B).

The BFA threads 502 of screw 105 are in direct contact with the external slots 509 of the slotted worm nut 106 (FIG. 5B, and FIG. 1). The slotted worm nut 106 in turn has internal threadings 506 (FIG. 5B) which accommodate the external threading 507 of the width adjustment screw 107 (FIG. 5C, FIG. 1). The countersunk head 510 of the width adjustment screw 107 (FIG. 5C), and the head of the slotted worm nut 106 fit into corresponding slots 602 on the inner aspect of the opposing dorsal plates 102 a (FIG. 6B)

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 7A and 7B illustrate a variety of views of the dorsal and ventral plates 102 a, 102 b. They illustrate their interrelationship, and their connectivity. The external view of the dorsal plate 102 a (FIG. 6A)illustrates a large mid-line flange, and positioning flanges 603 on its left and right, which insert into the ventral plate slots 701 for the dorsal flanges (FIG. 7A). FIG. 6B illustrates the internal aspect of the dorsal plate 102 a. This has the trough 104 in a fixed position, and the open bearings 601 for insertion of the BFA screws 105. It also illustrates the slots 602 for either the width adjustment screws 107 or the worm nuts 106 in the opposing plates. FIG. 6C is a top view of the dorsal plate 102 a illustrating the open bearings 601 for the BFA screws 105, the spikes 108 and the trough 104.

FIG. 7B illustrates the threaded nuts 704 into which the BFA screws 105 are inserted as well as their slots 703 which the bottom aspect of the BFA screws 105 rest upon.

Another possible embodiment of the opposing plates includes making the opposing plates different sizes, and decreasing the sizes of the screws, thus allowing even more lateral flexion.

We will now describe the mechanism of height and width expansion. The closed PPLTAD is inserted into the emptied disc space (FIG. 2). The height is expanded by turning each of the four BFA screws 105 (FIG. 1). These screws 105 by virtue of being inserted into the height adjustment threaded nuts 704 of screws of the ventral plate 102 b (FIG. 7B), and the open bearings 601 of the dorsal plate 102 a (FIG. 6C), allow graded sliding of the ventral plate slots 703 vis-á-vis the dorsal plate flanges 603 hence achieving graded separation from each other, i.e. height expansion (FIGS. 1, 3, 6A and 7A). When maximum desired height is achieved, further turning of the BFA screws 105 rotate the worm nut 106 which then drives the width adjustment screw 107 against the opposing plate thereby leading to opposing plate separation thus driving the opposing plates 101, 102 into the opposing vertebral endplates via the spikes 108 (FIG. 1). Once the plates 101, 102 are engaged in the vertebral endplates via spike 108 penetration and incorporation, the BFA screws 105 are turned counter-clockwise thereby disengaging them from the inner aspects of the plates 101, 102, and the slotted worm nuts 106. The BFA screws 105, slotted worm nuts 106 and width adjustment screws 107 are now removed, having performed their jobs of height and width expansion. It is necessary to remove these objects so that the inner ball core 401 may interact with the inner troughs 104 and achieve complete and unhindered flexibility of motion. Different sized ball inserts 401 accommodate for differences in disc space height. Thus once the plates 101, 102 of the PPLTAD are inserted and driven into the endplates, the disc height is measured, and the appropriately fitted ball 401 is inserted to precisely fit the distance of separation between the opposing troughs 104. This maximizes function, and minimizes extrusion.

The Surgical Method of FIGS. 1-7

The method of posterior insertion of the PPLTAD into the posterior interspace can be performed open microscopically, or closed tubularly, using endoscopic and/or fluoroscopic guidance.

After the adequate induction of anesthesia the patient is positioned in the prone position. A midline incision is made, bilateral lamina are exposed, and bilateral hemi-laminotomies are performed preserving bilateral facet joints so as not to incur instability.

A complete discectomy is performed and the superior and inferior endplates exposed. The closed PPTLA without the core ball 401 is inserted. The four BFA screws 105 are turned clockwise leading to height extension of the opposing plates 101, 102 via downward sliding of the ventral segments 101 b, 102 b of the plates. The screws 105 are turned further clockwise thereby turning the width adjustment screws 107 via the turning of the slotted worm nut 106. This drives the opposing plates 101, 102 with their outer plate spikes 108 into the ventral endplates securing their attachment to the vertebral endplates. Fluoroscopic guidance is used to verify placement of the troughs 104 of the inner aspect of the plates 101, 102 at the center of the endplates so that they are at the center of gravity. Once the plates are secured into position the BFA screws are turned counterclockwise, thereby disengaging from the plates 101, 102 and the worm nuts 106. Once disengaged, the BFA screws 105 are removed from their slots, and the slotted worm nuts 106 and widening screws 107 are disengaged from their inserts. We now have two opposing plates 101, 102 with their opposing inner troughs 104 engaged in two opposing vertebral endplates. The size between the opposing troughs 104 is measured, and a custom-sized ball 401 is now inserted in between the troughs 104. The size of the ball 401 is such that it will fit substantially perfectly, and hence not dislodge. The patient is now closed in routine manner.

This device and method of insertion offer safe posterior lumbar placement with equal motion preservation compared to anteriorly placed lumbar discs. This PPLTAD can also be adopted for anterior lumbar placement, and for posterior and anterior placement into thoracic disc interspaces. In our previous patent we have a modified plate shape for anterior cervical disc placement. The mechanism described herein is easily adapted for cervical artificial discs that do and don't expand in height. We believe this PPLTAD treats disc disease with significantly decreased morbidity compared to other current devices, whilst preserving spinal segmental flexibility, and enhancing quality of life.

The Medical Device of FIGS. 8-19

Referring now to FIGS. 8-19, the above described problems can also be solved by inserting a total artificial disc 800 which consists of three separate components; two opposing bean shaped plates 801, 802 and an interposing ball 803 which has ball limiters 804 which prevent ball extrusion (embodiment I), or raised edges which prevent extrusion (embodiment II). FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate orthographic and exploded views of the artificial disc 800 (embodiment I). FIGS. 15A-C illustrate the orthographic, frontal and exploded views of Embodiment II. FIGS. 16A and B illustrate the side and orthogonal views of the ball of embodiment II.

FIG. 10A illustrates the external view of either the superior or interior plates 801, 802 (embodiments I and II). On the external surface of the plate 801 there are three types of spikes 808 to facilitate penetration and integration into the vertebral endplates. There is one conical center spike 808 a. Around the peripheral edge of the plate 801 are multiple pyramidal spikes 808 c. Surrounding the conical spike are right angled lateral spikes 808 b. Each of the three types of spikes 808 is designed to facilitate penetration contoured to the shape of the plate 801 with respect to the vertebral endplate. We are not aware of any other artificial disc designs which have this feature. Also illustrated are the alignment slots 805 which align with an external insertion/spreading device 1500 (FIGS. 18-19).

FIG. 10B illustrates the internal view of the superior or inferior plate 801. Centrally located is a trough 806 which will interact with the ball 803 of this ball/trough designed artificial disc. At the center of the trough 806 are radial grooves 807 which interact with similar radial grooves 1100 of the ball 803 (FIG. 11B 15C) facilitating ball/trough contact.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate the ball 803 design (embodiment I) It has superior and inferior domes 1102, 1103. In between the domes 1102, 1103 is a groove 1100 for the ball limiters 804. The ball limiter 804 inserts into the ball groove 1100 (FIGS. 11 and 13). FIG. 12 illustrates that the ball limiter 804 is composed of superior and inferior leaflets 1201, 1202. At the periphery of these leaflets 1201, 1202 there are raised barriers 1203 which limit ball motion and extrusion. After the plates 801, 802 are inserted, when the ball 803 and limiters 804 are introduced, the superior and inferior leaflets 1201, 1202 are aligned with each other. The inferior leaflet 1201 preferably includes a ball groove insertion ring 1204. After the ball 803 is inserted the ball limiters 804 are rotated such they are at approx 45-90 degrees angled with respect to each other (FIGS. 12A and 13). FIG. 14 illustrates a sample position of the artificial disc 800. It should be noted that with flexion and translation of the device 800, the raised barriers 1203 of the ball limiters 804 are in contact with the superior and inferior plates 801, 802 thereby limiting unrestrained motion of the ball 803, and prevents ball extrusion.

FIGS. 15 A, B and C illustrate orthographic, frontal and exploded views of embodiment II. In FIGS. 15A, B and C, a ball 1503 is disposed between superior plate 181 and inferior plate 802.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate the side and orthographic views of the ball of UDEAD (embodiment II). The ball 1503 preferably includes a groove 1507 for radiographic material, superior dome 1506, and inferior dome (not shown). The ball 1503 also includes superior raised edge 1504, inferior raised edge 1505 and radial grooves 1508. This ball has raised edges instead of limiters which prevent its extrusion and unrestrained motion.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate the motion of the ball insert during lateral bending, and flexion/extension.

FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, 19A and 19B illustrate the insertion device 1800. The superior separator 1801 and inferior separator 1802 (FIGS. 18C and 19 A and B) have extensions which are shaped exactly like the artificial disc plates 801, 802 and their cradles 1810, 1812 include alignment features 1815 that fit into the alignment slots 805 of the plates 801, 802 (FIGS. 10A and B and 19 A and B). The lateral manipulator 1804 and medial manipulator 1803 (FIG. 18A-19 A and B) when opened lead to superior plate 801 and inferior plate 802 separation, and cause substantially parallel alignment of superior and inferior plate 801, 802 penetration into opposing vertebral bodies. The medial and lateral manipulators 1803, 1804 are attached by a transmission linkage 1805 (FIG. 18C). The action wedge 1806 upon manual opening of the instrument 1800 by the surgeon inserting his fingers into the manipulator digit insert 1807 (FIG. 18A) forces the wedge 1806 down in between the superior and inferior separators 1801, 1802 leading to superior disc plate 801 and inferior disc plate 802 separation, expansion and penetration into the superior and inferior vertebral bodies. The medial and lateral manipulators 1803, 1804 include digit inserts 1813, 1814 for the operator of the tool.

The Surgical Method of FIGS. 8-19

The surgical steps necessary to practice the present invention will now be described.

After the adequate induction of anesthesia the patient is positioned prone on a fluoroscopically amenable table. A unilateral hemi-laminotomy is performed. The procedure can be performed microscopically, endoscopically or tubularly in routine manner. A routine discectomy is performed. The superior and inferior disc plates alignment slots 805 are inserted into the cradles of the insertion device 1800. The nerve root is gently retracted and the disc plates 801, 802 are inserted into the disc space attached to the inserting/spreading device 1800. Under fluoroscopic guidance the plates 801, 802 are then placed at the center of gravity of the vertebral plates i.e. at the anterior-posterior and dorsal-ventral centers. When confirmed radiographically, the surgeon spreads the spreader 1800 which drives the wedge 1806 between the separators 1801, 1802 (FIG. 10) until the plates 801, 802 have penetrated and incorporated into the superior and inferior vertebral bodies. The inserter/spreader 1500 is then removed. The opposing plates 801, 802 are now substantially perfectly opposed to each other. The distance between the superior and inferior troughs 806 are now measured, and the surgeon selects from a selection of balls 803 of different heights to fit between the plates 801, 802, depending on patient size, etc. Using a forceps or similar instrument the ball 803 with the ball limiters 804 (embodiment I), or the ball with raised edges (embodiment II) are inserted in-between the superior and inferior troughs 806. During insertion of the ball 803 the superior and inferior leaflets 1202, 1201 of the limiters 804 are aligned with each other. After the ball 803 is inserted, the superior and inferior leaflets 1202, 1201 using a forceps are separated to effectively prevent ball extrusion and prevent completely unrestrained motion. After inserting the ball of embodiment II of FIGS. 15A-17B, the correct sized ball is simply inserted in between the two plates. The wound is then closed routinely.

The current device can easily be adapted for placement in cervical and thoracic discs. It may also be suitable for multiple level placements. This current device enables the restoration of motion of diseased discs with minimal anatomical destruction and invasiveness, and avoids the serious complications of anteriorly placed discs. Furthermore when an anteriorly placed lumbar disc is removed, it is extremely technically challenging. Furthermore the artificial disc is then replaced by a fusion device limiting motion. The posterior unilateral placement of this device obviates all the above mentioned risks. The device presented here is safely implanted avoiding anterior vascular structures and nerves which control ejaculation. It is also easily and safely explanted if necessary. The ease and safety of the insertion of this device heralds in a new era of safe and simple artificial lumbar disc technology. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly for posteriorly inserting a total artificial expansile disc between a pair of vertebral endplates, the assembly including: a total artificial expansile disc; and a tool, said total artificial expansile disc including: a pair of substantially parallel plates, that move apart along a first axis and occupy a space defined by vertebral endplates, each of said parallel plates including a first plate and a second sliding plate that moves along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis; an expansion device that causes movement of said pair of substantially parallel plates along the first axis and the second axis; a core, disposed between said pair of substantially parallel plates, that permits the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another; and a limiter which prevents the core from being extruded from between said pair of substantially parallel plates, wherein each plate of said pair of substantially parallel plates includes first alignment members and a plurality of spikes, the tool comprising: a pair of separators each having a cradle for each of said pair of substantially parallel plates, said cradles including second alignment members for cooperating with the first alignment members of the plates; and a wedge separator disposed between said pair of separators; wherein the tool is used to posteriorly insert said pair of substantially parallel plates, disposed in the cradles of the pair of separators, between the pair of vertebral endplates; wherein said wedge separator is used to separate said pair of substantially parallel plates; and wherein the separators force the spikes of said pair of substantially parallel plates into the vertebral end plates.
 2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the separators are connected to manipulators that include digit inserts for an operator of the tool to insert the operator's digits through the digit inserts of the manipulators.
 3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein the wedge separator is attached by a transmission linkage to one of the separators.
 4. A tool for posteriorly inserting a total artificial expansile disc between vertebral endplates, said total artificial expansile disc including a pair of plates with first alignment members and with a plurality of spikes, the tool comprising: a pair of separators each having a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongate portion between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein said pair of separators each have extensions at their respective distal ends that are shaped like said pair of plates and that each have a cradle on an outward-facing surface of the extension that is configured for engaging each of said plates such that the extensions are positioned between said plates when engaged with said plates, said cradles including second alignment members for cooperating with the first alignment members of said pair of plates, wherein the separators are connected to manipulators that include digit inserts for an operator of the tool; and a wedge separator disposed between said pair of separators, wherein the wedge separator is attached by a transmission linkage to one of the manipulators; wherein the tool is used to posteriorly insert said pair of plates, disposed in the cradles of the separators, between a pair of vertebral endplates, wherein said wedge separator is used to separate said pair of separators by pushing said pair of separators apart, wherein said pair of separators force the spikes of said pair of plates into the vertebral end plates, and wherein the wedge separator is movable in a direction toward the cradle of each of said pair of separators such that surfaces of the wedge separator engage and drive said pair of separators apart from each other.
 5. The tool of claim 4, wherein the wedge separator is disposed entirely between the pair of separators.
 6. The tool of claim 4, wherein a distal end of the wedge separator is sized and configured to engage said pair of separators at their elongate portions between their respective proximal and distal ends to push said separators apart in response to actuator of the wedge separator.
 7. A method of operating the tool of claim 4, the method comprising driving the wedge separator between said separators to push said separators apart and thereby push said plates apart while the wedge separator remains spaced from said plates. 